Among other ill-conceived decisions made by the sleep-deprived state legislature this session was a ban on the telehealth prescription of mifepristone.  This proven-safe drug is often, but not exclusively, used to medically induce abortion.  Republican lawmakers argue this ban will eliminate “black market” abortion pills.  Good idea…except black market abortion pills are illegal already.

Quick review. We know that Iowa has one of the highest pesticide application rates in the nation. Research tells us that pesticides, including herbicides, fungicides, insecticides and rodenticides, remain active in the environment for decades. And, we know that nitrate loads from these chemicals have grown dramatically in Iowa’s water increasing the risk of colorectal, ovarian, bladder, thyroid and prostate cancers. We also know the connection between radon and lung cancer. And due to its unique geology, Iowans suffer from the highest indoor radon levels in the U.S. We also have compelling evidence that links PFAS, so-called “forever chemicals,” to kidney, testicular, prostate and ovarian cancers and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. And, sadly, PFAS have been detected in 94% of Iowa’s surface waters. 

The legislature has been “talking” property tax reform for years. So far, without result.  Sadly, this year’s House action is no more likely to result in meaningful reform than last year’s…and last year the House did nothing.  Despite endless debate over rollbacks, exemptions and valuations, it seems no one’s property taxes actually go down! 

According to Albert Einstein: “The only thing that you absolutely have to know isthe location o f the library.” True Enough. But what if that library is controlled by those with a political agenda? People blinded by the certainty of their own beliefs. People who presume opinions contrary to their own shouldn’t even be considered by others.

How valuable is that library? In a world overwhelmed by Internet access, it’s odd that anyone would believe they can control the flow of ideas. Even odder they believe themselves qualified, much less entitled, to make such decisions.

When it became clear DJT does not know the difference between “excursion” and “incursion” I was not surprised. Such gaffes are not uncommon. Remember when DJT declared Joe Biden was not the “sharpest bulb”? Oh, well. Everybody experiences the occasional faux pas. But after the US military “obliterated” Iran’s Kharg Island, DJT reported the U.S. might bomb it “a few more times just for fun.” Was that a joke? Perhaps. But it’s a bad joke.